1 A2 neutral
To walk in a position at the back of or following another person or group.
"The children were told to walk behind the teacher in a neat line."
inseparable
walk behind
A2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To walk in a position behind another person or group.
In plain English
To walk at the back, behind someone else.
What does "walk behind" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 formal
To walk behind someone as a sign of respect or lower rank, especially in formal processions.
"By tradition, other members of the royal family walk behind the monarch during the ceremony."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To walk in the space behind someone — entirely transparent.
Actually means
To walk at the back, behind someone else.
Usage tip
Mostly literal and transparent. Occasionally used in cultural or historical contexts where walking behind someone has a symbolic meaning (e.g., indicating lower status or respect in certain traditions).
Words that pair with "walk behind"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
someone group leader procession crowd
How to conjugate "walk behind"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
walk behind
I/you/we/they
3rd person
walks behind
he/she/it
Past simple
walked behind
yesterday
Past participle
walked behind
have + pp
-ing form
walking behind
continuous
Hear "walk behind" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "walk behind" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "walk behind"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
bring up the rear come behind follow trail walk after
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